Qantas - purchase full Y, pay difference to premium econ?

[rtyuiop]

Hi folks,

Just looking at some prices on the Qantas site for an upcoming BNE->LAX->MSP return trip, and the economy tickets are only barely cheaper than premium econ. Unfortunately, my company believes in torturing employees, and has no flexibility in their travel policy, so will only allowing booking economy.

I'd be more than happy to pay the difference in fares myself, but the original ticket purchase will probably have to be the economy seat. Can I talk to Qantas and pay the difference in fares after initial booking to end up in premium? I'm a lowly PS, so can't really lean on status to get them to do me a favour, if that makes a difference.

Incidentally, I didn't think PE existed out of BNE (?), but the website seems to suggest it's there for QF15 on the 26th June...

Cheers,

Danny

 

[Dave Noble]

There are various issues that can affect this. If you book through an agent, you may well have to return to that Travel Agent to make the change to Premium Economy rather than be able to pay QF the difference plus any change fees applicable; if it is a corporate deal fare, then there is pretty much zero chance whatsoever of getting QF to make the change

Are you able to get the company to agree to the purchase of a PE ticket if you pay the difference between the available economy fare and the premium fare, since that is your best chance of success

 

[Andyzx]

I used to do this, to get cheap SC like pay the difference from J to F.
Arranged via our company travel agent as they had the best deals. I would ask them to quote for both, put it all on the company card and pay the difference. it was within our policies to do this, you just had to get both quotes. Talk nicely to the bosses PA or whoever does their travel, they will have all the contacts

NB Sometimes the TA quotes were significantly different due to loadings and deals on the day. Also noted that there were corporate discounts on J seats but not Y+

Have a good flight:arrow:

 

[moa999]

Equally a lot of corporates who have Y-policies, get additional rebates on Y, but not on other fares, so may not be possible

 

[Dave Noble]

Equally a lot of corporates who have Y-policies, get additional rebates on Y, but not on other fares, so may not be possible

Where I have seen that, that just meant that the cost to upgrade was higher. e.g. if 25% discount off of K was offered, meant that the upgrade cost ould be higher; didn't make it undoable though

Of course, in the end it comes down to what the corporate policy is as to what can be done

 

[nlagalle]

I know we can contact the TA and do it ourselves, i've not had a reason to, yet... Might do it on a Perth run.

 

[rtyuiop]

Thanks folks. Sounds like I might be able to manage it - going through the TA would probably be doable if QF knocks me back. Unfortunately the company is way too wrapped up in paperwork for me to give them both quotes and just not claim the difference.

The extra room would certainly help that miserable transpacific flight!

Danny

 

[BVT]

Thanks folks. Sounds like I might be able to manage it - going through the TA would probably be doable if QF knocks me back. Unfortunately the company is way too wrapped up in paperwork for me to give them both quotes and just not claim the difference.

The extra room would certainly help that miserable transpacific flight!

Danny

If you are using a TA have you asked them to book Y+ and spit the invoice? They bill the Company the Y amount - whatever that is - taking into discounts etc and then bill you the difference! Good luck.

If all else fails, two sleeping tablets and a bottle of wine ....

BvT

 

[Katie]

Incidentally, I didn't think PE existed out of BNE (?), but the website seems to suggest it's there for QF15 on the 26th June...

Y+ is available on some QF15/16 flights. If it's the usual 2-class aircraft, then Y+ is in J seats. I've scored these seats for Y+ on 3 trans-pac flights now. VERY nice.

 

[rtyuiop]

Y+ is available on some QF15/16 flights. If it's the usual 2-class aircraft, then Y+ is in J seats. I've scored these seats for Y+ on 3 trans-pac flights now. VERY nice.

Well now I'm really motivated to try to organise it!

Danny

 

[rtyuiop]

Unfortunately it looks like this flight will be Air NZ/Delta instead of QF/AA, so no decent premium economy (or status benefits or lounge access) for me. Damned cheap employers!

Will probably try for a paid upgrade to Air NZ prem econ, even though it's not quite the same thing. Will report back with how I go.

Danny

 

[VirginiaF]

Upgrading to PE with Air NZ is highly recommended. I flew SYD/AKL/LAX return a couple of years ago and the journey was very comfortable. On the LAX/AKL leg, we were in a PE sector downstairs and had one FA to look after all 6 of us. The food was good, the seats were good with plenty of room to stretch out and park your belongings. I would do it again.

 

[serfty]

Currently AirNZ PE is much better than QF PE; it'd getting even more enhancments over the next year.

 

[trippin_the_rift]

The new air nz prem econ is bloody fantastic.

Has anyone else here been to the mockup warehouse where they have them?